Know Truth

"how much we need the Spirit as Teacher"

THE APOSTLE JOHN wrote his letters before being exiled to the Isle of Patmos. That he was exiled is told us in Revelation 1:9. What he would see in his vision there, he had not seen yet, when writing 1 John. This thought goes to misapplication of Scripture, a far more frequent error in the church than has been seen. Following along this thought, we read his words in 1 John 4:12 and should see an immediate contrast with his vision in Revelation. 1 John 4:12 says, “No man hath seen God at any time.” Then in Revelation 1, we read John’s vision of God. Jesus is depicted as deity with hair white like snow and eyes as flames of fire, a sword in His mouth (Verse 14-16). John sees Him again in later chapters, including in his vision, a picture of the heavenly throne room.

Jesus is God. John knew Him on earth and saw Him after His Resurrection. He wrote the words of 1 John 4:12, sometime after His ascension, then fell down before Him as dead when He saw Him in his revelation. Revelation 1:17, “And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not.” Time plays into what man has written. These two Truths of John, as well as the life of Peter, and also the writings of Paul show us their personal growth. Jewish habit can be seen in Paul’s suggestion that Gentile wives cover their hair (1 Corinthians 11:5-6). This is, still today, a Jewish lifestyle. Paul’s reasoning involved Gentile habits of that day and the boldness, the forthrightness common to idol worship. His suggestion was meant to cause more meek and humble behavior.

But speaking again of time changing the writer’s thoughts, we see Peter transform from denying Christ to boldly preaching the gospel in Acts 2. He matured in learning about Moshiach, in taking in the Truth of His Words and knowing His Voice, growing from a rash fisherman to a pillar in the church. These are the words of Scripture, that we are to grow up, to mature, and not remain as infants (1 Corinthians 3:1). Both the Jews’ covenant and Jesus’ covenant of salvation speak of this.

What I want you to see is how much we need the Spirit as Teacher. The Holy Spirit desires to lead us into maturity. Thinking of my own writings, there are ways of speech I used to use but no longer can. I see them differently now. The apostle Paul shows this in his talk about marriage. He said it was best to be single in 1 Corinthians 7. But in Ephesians 5, He described the love of Christ for the church to a husband for his wife, stating, “So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself (Verse 28).” In Galatians 1, he mentioned a conflict with Peter that also shows us their time of growth. Peter had a time where he refused to eat with the Gentiles, who had been saved, fearing the opinions of certain Jews. Paul called him out on this, correcting his behavior (Galatians 2:14).

We are meant to trust the Truth of the Scripture, but it is as should be known of Job. His words about God giving and taking away were sincere, and he believed them. He did not use them to curse God as his wife suggested. They are not Truth, however. God only gives good and always removes evil. James 1:13 tells us this. Without knowing the Spirit’s Voice, we will fall into reasoning and make errors in doctrine. The story of Jesus’ death, His words in the Garden, what happened in the three days after the cross, and even how He was resurrected are filled with people’s errors. And God would have us know the Truth and that Truth set us free, grow us up, and make us closer to Him.


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Suzanne D. Williams, Author
www.suzannedwilliams.com
www.feelgoodromance.com